I've always wanted to write, but I never took it seriously until I purchased
my first computer four year ago. I must admit it wasn't as easy, as I thought
it would be, but I was determined to write.
One of the things I learned is that my first draft
is not the last draft. I have to keep rewriting and rewriting until I have
something that I'm proud of.
Yes, I'd like to be published someday, but for me
its more than that, it's my love of writing. Whether it is an article or
a short story I'm happy just to be writing. I think what got me started
was an article for my high school newspaper.
Since I was so shy and introverted my high school
guidance councilor thought it would help me. I believe it goes back further
than that though. When I was twelve I entered writing contest on the inside
of a matchbook cover and was told if I send two-hundred dollars that they
could help me. My parents were certainly not going to give that amount
of money to me. By today's standards that's not a lot of money. But back
then it was.
Four years ago I didn't even know how to turn on a computer let alone know what a word processor was. My sister being my sister decide that we should get a computer, so that she could set up her home business and I could write.
That worked for a while until I discovered online and
used it more than she did. Which in all honesty was not fair to her. The
only solution was for me to get my own computer.
I took a couple of online writing courses but learned
the best way for me was just write. You see I have a learning disability.
I do not allow it to prevent me from following my dream. There's always
a way to learn how to do anything you want to do. Nor do I use it as an
excuse not to tackle a writing project. The more you do something the better
you do it. All you need is the determination. I ask myself what are you
willing to do to achieve your goal? The answer is unequivocally anything!
Sure I get frustrated when I can't spell a word that's
when I use my dictionary. If I transpose a letter I just retype it. My
learning disability is just a little convince its no big deal.
I can only tell you, though it may sound a bit repetitive
I'd love writing and wouldn't want to do any thing else. I don't even use
the word can't, for me it doesn't exists. I've been fortunate in finding
people who believed in me, and are willing to help me. All can tell you
is never give up your dream no matter what you want to do. Remember disability
is spelled DisABILITY. Don't ever let anyone tell you can't, because you
CAN
J Phyllis Baker
Editors Note: Reach Out Magazine would like to thanks Contributing Editor, J Phyllis Baker for the Inspirational Article. Ms. Baker also reports on Datime Soaps. Pease click the link below for more.